This week our senior learners were invited to Rolleston College by their learners to participate in small group mini games. I was delighted to receive the following email from one of their teachers:

'I wanted to let you know that your Year 5 & 6 learners were absolutely wonderful. In particular we were so impressed with their waiata in response to our haka. They led themselves well and represented West Rolleston with pride. I am looking forward to the Year 7 & 8 learners on Thursday.'

The children were very excited to fill a wish jar this week.  They earn tokens for great behaviour and following our kowhai rules at morning tea and lunch-time. The BoT fund additional support in our playground so our awesome teaching assistants are supporting our learners at break along with our duty teaching staff. The two wish jars children are now working towards are a 'sports uniform dress up day' and a pyjama day.

Thanks again to everyone who helped with the hangi donations, preparation, cooking and serving last week. $1166.00 was raised and all of the proceeds will go towards the purchase of kapahaka uniforms.

I hope all families with Year 4-8 learners have booked for a learning conference next Tuesday and Wednesday. This is an important time to meet with the teacher and hear from your child about their learning.

Finally, our teachers have attended NZEI meetings over the past week. We are campaigning because schools are facing a teacher shortage crisis, with a 40% drop in people training to be teachers and yet we face a growing number of school-aged children.  We also desperately need more support for children with learning and mental health needs. Our teachers work incredibly long days and very rarely a night goes past when teachers are not working in the evenings, and at weekends. We need more time for teachers. Thank you for your support.

ngā mihi

Sylvia